Steam train rides in South Africa

The clickety clack, the excitement and the joy the train ride brings is unlike any other adventure.

Below is a list of steam train rides around South Africa.

Click on the photos to follow the links

MAGALIESBURG EXPRESS

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What do you get when you throw a bunch of voluntary rail enthusiasts together? Not one but five historic steam locomotives under the banner of Reef Steamers, who provide steam train rides from Johannesburg Park Station to Magaliesburg (the town), in the Magaliesberg. Railway romance begins with watching the preparations of the engine – the coal trimming, firing, ash-pan cleaning and lubrication, and wheel tapper at work. Add to this billowing clouds of steam, the authentically shrill whistle blows and the chug-chug of the train as it inches its way out of the station, and you can understand that this ride might be popular. Book ahead. Reef Steamers also run a steam train to Irene.

Where: platform 14, Park Station, Johannesburg

When: public holidays and special occasions

UMGENI STEAM RAILWAY

The railway line on which a fleet of old locomotive beauties chug, ranging in age from 1908 through to 1953 (and including a Class 3BR, Class 12R, Class 19D, Garratt GF, Garratt GMAM and a 1892 vintage Dübs Class-A), dates back to the 1880s, with the building of the first railway line connecting Durban and Pietermaritzburg. Further delights include a 53 metre tunnel at Drummond, built in 1878, and beautiful, historical railway stations. The route also ascends some of the steepest railway gradients in the country. The official route is between Kloof and Inchanga on the last Sunday of every month, but trains sometimes travel all the way to Durban or Pietermaritzburg.

Where: Kloof station

When: last Sunday of every month

DIAMOND EXPRESS

This full-day steam train outing that runs between Hermanstad, Pretoria and Cullinan is organised by a non-profit heritage club who keep these vintage steam trains in mint condition. It will take roughly two hours to reach Cullinan where further options include mine tours and visits to craft shops and museums, but it is the train trip on fully restored steam trains (think: wooden panels, green vinyl benches) that is the highlight of the day. Friends of the Rail also do an around Pretoria trip, known as the Tshwane or Jacaranda Explorer, and trips to Rayton and Bela Bela.

Where: Michaelson Street, Hermanstad

When: times vary, see the Friends of the Rail’s website for timetables

ATLANTIC RAIL

This is a route every Capetonian knows, but with the added angle of a steam engine, it gains a whole new perspective. The wooden steam train, originally used for overnight trips in Namibia in the 1940s and known as ‘Jenny’, chuggs through the neighbourhoods of Cape Town pulling behind her five wooden-bodied vintage coaches, usually filled to capacity with families. Exploring Jenny’s copper gauges and pipes, chatting to the driver and climbing up to have a look for those who are interested, is all part of the tour.

Where: the old Train Lodge, behind Cape Town station

When: 10.30am, once, sometimes twice, a month

FICKSBURG STEAM TRAIN

On an estate just outside of Ficksburg, in the shadow of the Maluti Mountains, is the biggest private collection of narrow-gauge steam locomotives in the world. Every year the Stars of Sandstone is an annual event for steam-train aficionados that attracts umpteen visitors from around the world who come to see the traction engines, old tractors, steam lorries, locomotives and two-foot narrow-gauge locomotives. The highlight of the festival is the 26 km narrow-gauge railway, the Sandstone Railway, along which at least 23 locomotives build up a head of steam. These steam train rides are also one of the highlights of the annual Cherry Festival.

When: any time, but best either for the Cherry Festival or Stars of Sandstone

6. OUTENIQUA CHOO-TJOE

There are rumours that this last remaining continually operated passenger steam train in Africa, that once travelled the railway between Knysna, Sedgefield, Wilderness and George, may find itself back on track. The Friends of the Choo-Tjoe have constantly campaigned to reinstate the train since its closure and later discontinuation. An interested foreign investor may consider becoming involved.

Everyone should go on at least one train ride in their life. It really is such fun. For themed train rides have a look at JB train tours.

The average traveller

You will find many glorious travel blogs and sites of the most beautiful resorts around the globe. You can find lists of what to pack in matching luggage. Gosh, the world is full of travel bloggers who take amazing photos that leave you wanting to up and leave your day job and travel the world. I am not that travel blogger. I live to travel and discover new places. Sometimes that includes places right down the road. Sometimes it involves a long haul flight or two. I am average. I travel on an average budget, I travel with average luggage and gadgets but I tell extraordinary stories.